Sweeteners
Polyglycitol
Definition
What it is
Sugar alcohol: commonly found in 'sugar-free' products; can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea at moderate doses; maltitol and sorbitol still raise blood glucose. Most sugar alcohols are high-FODMAP polyols (the 'P' in FODMAP); sorbitol and mannitol are the primary triggers, while xylitol, maltitol, isomalt, and lactitol all carry similar GI risk in sensitive individuals.
On the label
How it appears on labels
- polyglycitol
Regulation
Regulatory status
No bans or restrictions are recorded for this ingredient in the jurisdictions clearlabel tracks (US, EU, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia/NZ, Brazil).
Explainer
In plain language
Polyglycitol is a sugar alcohol, part of the family of sweeteners also called polyols. It is used to add sweetness and bulk to sugar-free and reduced-sugar products without the full calorie load of regular sugar. It is made from starch through hydrogenation, producing a syrupy blend of sugar alcohols.
Assessment
Why it is flagged
Sugar alcohols are poorly absorbed in the small intestine, and at moderate doses they are associated with gas, bloating, and a laxative effect in many people. Polyols are the P in FODMAP, and people who are sensitive to fermentable carbohydrates often report digestive symptoms with them. Polyglycitol is not calorie-free and its sugar-alcohol components can still raise blood glucose somewhat, unlike sweeteners such as sucralose. Clear Label flags it at low severity because the effects are usually short-term digestive discomfort that varies a lot from person to person, which makes it a good candidate to test in your own logs.
In the aisle
Where it commonly shows up
- Sugar-free candy and chocolate
- Sugar-free chewing gum
- Reduced-sugar baked goods
- Sugar-free frozen desserts
- Some protein and snack bars
Practical
Reading the label
Polyglycitol may be listed by name or grouped under polyols or hydrogenated starch hydrolysates on ingredient lists. Products high in sugar alcohols often carry a note that excess consumption may have a laxative effect.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid it
Some people who react to sugar alcohols choose products sweetened with small amounts of real sugar, or with stevia or monk fruit, which tend to be gentler on digestion. Comparing two sugar-free products by their polyol content can help spot the milder option.
FAQ
Common questions
Why do sugar-free candies upset some stomachs?
Sugar alcohols like polyglycitol are not fully absorbed, so they can draw water into the gut and ferment, which is associated with gas, bloating, and loose stools at higher doses. Sensitivity varies widely between people.
Is polyglycitol calorie-free?
No. It has fewer calories than sugar but is not calorie-free, and its sugar-alcohol components can still raise blood glucose to some degree. That makes it different from sweeteners that have no effect on blood sugar.
How much is too much?
There is no single threshold, since tolerance differs from person to person. Logging which products and amounts track with symptoms is the practical way to find your own comfort level.
Citations
Sources
Citation
Primary reference
About this page: the definition, label names, severity, and regulatory chips come from the clearlabel ingredient taxonomy, the same data the scanner uses to score products. Research summaries describe associations reported in published studies, not diagnoses; individual responses vary. Scan any product with clearlabel to see which of its ingredients carry flags.